In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Correctional officer” has the meaning stated in § 8–201 of the Correctional Services Article. “Eligible employment” means to work as: A police officer or correctional officer in the State for at least 2 years; or A parole and probation agent, supervisor, or regional director in the State for at least 2 years. “Higher education loan” means a loan that is obtained for tuition for undergraduate study. “Police officer” has the meaning stated in § 3–201 of the Public Safety Article. “Probation agent” means an individual serving as a parole and probation agent, supervisor, or regional administrator for the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. “Program” means the Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Police Officers, Probation Agents, and Correctional Officers.

There is a Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Police Officers, Probation Agents, and Correctional Officers in the State. The Office shall distribute funds from the Program to assist in the repayment of a higher education loan owed by a police officer, probation agent, or correctional officer who: Receives a graduate, professional, or undergraduate degree from a public college or university in the State; Obtains eligible employment; and Satisfies any other criteria established by the Office.

The Office shall adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle. The regulations shall include a limit on the total amount of assistance provided by the Office in repaying the loan of an eligible individual, based on the individual’s total income and outstanding higher education loan balance.

For fiscal year 2025, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $500,000 for the Program. For fiscal year 2026, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $2,000,000 for the Program. For fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $500,000 for the Program.

Subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Office shall report to the General Assembly by January 1 each year on the implementation of the Program.